Whether it’s a small business or global corporation there is one thing companies should never stop doing: Consumer Data Collection.

Do you know your ABCs?

Always. Be. Collecting

Emails, zip codes, cell phone numbers, etc. This is your marketing arsenal. No matter how engaged your list is, if it remains stagnant, eventually, your messages will be too. The best way to avoid this is to consistently grow your audience. Here are the most effective ways to collect consumer data:

5 Ways to Collect Consumer Data

1. Newsletter/Subscribe

Every customer who visits your website should be invited to join a subscriber list. Offer an initial discount, promotion or other benefit to entice users into supplying their email address. According to MailChimp, a leading email marketing service, the most highly-engaged industries are: Hobbies, Arts and Food. Your subscription form and email campaigns MUST be mobile-friendly as 56% of total email opens occurred on a mobile phone or tablet in Q4 2015.

2. Contest/Giveaway

Hosting a giveaway in which contestants enter their email to participate is a compelling method to collect data. We’ve been running contests for 3-4 years and still haven’t found a better way to gather a large volume of new email leads in a short amount of time. Make sure the entry process is seamless and has the least steps possible, under 3 clicks is optimal. For more about running a social contest, message us.

3. Text Codes

Text (SMS) marketing is making its way to the top of the digital marketing regime; Over 80% of American adults text, making it the most common cell phone activity. It is an instantaneous method of two-way-communication that grasps the immediate attention of recipients. Creating a custom SMS channel is easy, there are online platforms that automate the process. But, creating an effective SMS campaign is where things get tricky: The message must remain under 160 characters (including links), it must contain an optimized method of redemption and be drafted in compelling language. It takes a skilled marketer to create and maintain an effective promotional text channel.

4. In-Store Sign Ups

There are many methods to collect data in-store from a tablet at the register to a business card fishbowl. Of course, we recommend going digital as it minimizes turnover time. Set-up a loyalty program or offer a promotional incentive, then set-up a tablet with a simple subscription form somewhere in-store or at POS. Many stores are already collecting customer data at POS by having associates ask for email addresses at the register. Load new subscribers to lists periodically and watch your list grow.

5. Social Media Promotions

Facebook and Instagram both have “Sign Up” buttons that can be embed right into a post and boosted. Offer an alluring promotion such as a free product or a % off purchase (the higher the better) put in front of the right audiences and watch the data flow in.

If you believe your business can benefit from ongoing data collection (it can)